For IndividualsFor BusinessesFor UniversitiesFor GovernmentsExploreOnline DegreesCareersLog InJoin for Free0Computer Science and EngineeringDesign and ProductHow to Become a Web DesignerHow to Become a Web DesignerWritten by Coursera Staff • Updated on Nov 26, 2024Discover the skills that go into building websites, including creating layouts, understanding, color theory, using design software, and managing your time. Web design is a multi-faceted career field in which you'll draw upon a variety of creative, , and workplace skills to build attractive and functional websites. Through a degree program, certificate program, or courses, you can learn these skills and launch your career in web design. Keep reading to explore the web design skills, education and credentials you may need, and courses you can take to get started. Technical web design skills The technical skills of web design are the specific design and technology skills needed to create a website. To start, you should experiment with design software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Sketch, and Illustrator. With these or other tools, you can learn how to combine fonts, colors, patterns, and white space for eye-catching web design. These types of software also help with tasks like photo modification, logo design, and website layouts, called mockups or . To succeed as a web designer, it's also essential to learn about the back end of the process, including: HTMLShort for hypertext markup language, HTML is what you'll use to build the structure of a webpage. With this tool, you can learn how to perform these functions and more:Insert headings, lists, tables, spreadsheets, and photos into web page copyAdd hypertext links so users can move quickly to another web pageDesign forms for user interactions like ordering products or making reservationsIncorporate applications like video clips and sound clips into web page copy CSSAs HTML provides structure to your web page, cascading style sheets (CSS) is the computer language that gives it style. With this tool, you can change fonts, adjust color, modify backgrounds, and more.JavaScriptJavaScript (JS) is a scripting language used with HTML and CSS to make web pages more interactive. With JavaScript, you can generate and control elements of web pages like photo slideshows, interactive forms, and animated graphics. UXShort for user experience, UX is a style of website design that focuses on what a user needs. Good UX designers consider website accessibility, usability, and visual style, and they think about how a web page makes a user feel. One practical example of good UX design is building a website responsive to a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, and mobile device. Read more: Python/DjangoPython is a simple, versatile, and very efficient programming language. You can use Python to create web applications and games, conduct statistical calculations, and more. If you're looking to build a complex, scalable website like Netflix or Spotify, you might use Django, a popular website-building framework written in Python. Take a closer look at Coursera’s web design-related courses and certification programs:• from the University of Michigan• from Johns Hopkins University• from Google• from MicrosoftWorkplace skillsAlso known as core or , workplace skills have to do with how you work with others and on your own. Examples of workplace skills that benefit web designers include:CreativityReliabilityOrganizational skillsAttention to detailProblem-solving Conflict resolutionYou can work on building these skills in your daily life. For example, strengthen your attention to detail by being more observant of the creative choices that go into other people’s designs. What education do you need to become a web designer?There are a number of educational paths to a career in web design. Exploring your options can make it easier to decide on the best path for you. Web design certification or certificateYou can learn many of the skills you'll need to become a web designer through certification or certificate programs. These programs are an attractive option if you want to earn a credential in less time and with a lower investment than a degree. Typically, these programs last one year or less. You can find many certification or certificate programs online.If you're interested in single-subject certifications, you can find courses on various coding languages, concepts in web design, and more. Or, you can look for programs that combine several different subjects into one certification. Some students who enroll in these programs go on to get an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree in web design. Read more: Web design degreeIf you're committed to becoming a web designer, you might want to pursue a degree in web design or related field. You can find degrees at the associate, bachelor's, and master's level. To get an associate degree in web design, you'll need to earn from sixty to sixty-five credits. Courses you'll take include some general education subjects and a selection of more web-specific classes, including classes in:HTMLCSSJavaScriptIllustratorAdobe PhotoshopRead more: Popular career paths you can take with an associate degree include:WebmasterFreelance web design consultantYou might decide to continue your education to pursue a bachelor's or master's degree. Bachelor's degreeIf you're interested in getting a bachelor's degree in web design, the journey will likely take four or more years if you attend classes full time. You can get a bachelor of science degree, a bachelor of arts, or a bachelor of fine arts degree. A bachelor of science (BS) focuses more on the technical side of web design, such as operating systems and web programming languages. Examples of classes you might take for this degree include:Basic and advanced database structures and platformsWeb scriptingWeb publishing Human-computer interface designVisual frameworksRead more: A bachelor of arts (BA) or a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) highlights the creative aspects of web design. If you're leaning in this direction, you'll likely get a degree in a field like or visual communication with an emphasis on web design. Examples of classes you might take for this degree include:Basic and advanced web designImage manipulationMotion graphicsAnimationTypographyMaster's degreeTo obtain a master's degree in web design, plan to put in two to three years of work beyond a bachelor's degree for an extra forty to fifty credits. While pursuing a master's degree, you can gain more advanced web design and development knowledge. You'll likely create a website as part of your capstone project. When you graduate, you could be prepared for jobs like:Senior web designerApplications developerUX designerMultimedia specialistWeb designer job search resourcesWhen you're ready to apply for jobs in web design, the following resources can help you make empowered career decisions and get the most out of your journey. Explore web design with CourseraTaking online courses is a great way to build web design skills and explore career options. Consider an online introductory course on Coursera, such as from the University of Michigan or Meta's . You can also check out specific web design skills you're interested in, such as HTML or UX design.Updated on Nov 26, 2024Written by:CCoursera StaffEditorial TeamCoursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals., The first step in our web design journey is to clarify the difference between web design and website development, since the two are closely related and often (mistakenly) used interchangeably: Web design refers to the visual design and experiential aspects of a particular website., Basic and advanced web design. Image manipulation. Motion graphics. Animation. Typography. Master's degree. To obtain a master's degree in web design, plan to put in two to three years of work beyond a bachelor's degree for an extra forty to fifty credits. While pursuing a master's degree, you can gain more advanced web design and development .